A seizure is an abnormal, unregulated electrical discharge that occurs within the brain’s cortical gray matter and transiently interrupts normal brain function. A seizure typically causes altered awareness, abnormal sensations, focal involuntary movements, or convulsions (widespread violent involuntary contraction of voluntary muscles). Diagnosis may be clinical and involves results of neuroimaging, laboratory testing, and EEG for new-onset seizures or anticonvulsant levels for previously diagnosed seizure disorders. Treatment includes elimination of the cause if possible, anticonvulsants, and sometimes surgery (if anticonvulsants are ineffective).
See Seizure Disorders in The Manuals.
References
Krumholz A, Wiebe S, Gronset, GS, et al. Evidence-based guideline: Management of an unprovoked first seizure in adults. Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Neurology 85:1705-1713, 2015.
Noe, KH. Seizures: Diagnosis and management in the outpatient setting. Seminars in Neurology 31(1):54-64, 2011.
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